subject: Information on showers used in bathrooms [print this page] Information on showers used in bathrooms Information on showers used in bathrooms
An Instantaneous Electric Shower heats the water as it passes through an electrical element within. The shower unit typically has a rotary control which sets the temperature of the shower water. Various protection circuits are inbuilt to ensure that the heater is only switched on when there is adequate water pressure, water flowing and that the water does not overheat etc.
After you shower, continue to run the water and turn the temperature setting to 'cold' to flush out any hot water from the heating element and shower head. Keep an eye of the flow through the shower head, if it seems to be becoming clogged, either buy a new shower head or, if the existing shower head can be dismantled, clean it - soaking in a 'kettle limescale cleaner' will remove any limescale build up.
An Instantaneous Electric Shower is normally fed from the mains cold water supply, although some may be used via gravity feed providing that there is sufficient water head (typically 10m minimum).
The Fill Valve is the mechanism that fills the tank with water. It is also known as a Ballcock valve or sometimes a refill valve. It comes in four variations: Plunger Type Fill Valve Diaphragm Type Fill Valve Float Cup Type Fill Valve Floatless Type Fill Valve
In hard water areas, the heating element and shower head can quickly become blocked through the build up of limescale. On a lot of showers, a restricted shower head will cause a pressure relief valve on the unit to 'blow'.
It is generally fairly easy to install an Instantaneous Electric Shower as it usually only requires a cold water feed from the rising main and a suitable electrical connection - note however that Part P of the Building Regulations apply and a suitably qualified electrician must normally connect the shower unit as it will usually be within a Zone 1 area.
The unit must be wired to an electric power supply in accordance with Part P of the Building Regulations so you will need a suitably qualified electrician.
The units normally incorporate the heating element, controls and mixer. The controls usually allow adjustment of the temperature and flow by a knob on the unit.
